One IS Better: Nest vs Simplisafe in 2019

DIY home security system has made it easier and less expensive for people to protect their homes. This is the reason why there are now a lot of companies that offer DIY systems to homeowners. SimpliSafe is one of the pioneers in this space, while Nest Secure is one of the new kids on the block.

Nest Secure

The Nest Secure (my full review here!) offers four ways to disarm or arm your alarm. You can key in your passcode on the Nest Secure itself, or you can tap the Nest Tag or Nest Guard. You can also tell Google Assistant to arm or disarm your security system, or just use the Nest App to do the same.

What’s more, the Nest App has a feature that allows you to choose just how much time you need between arming the alarm and leaving the house, and how much time you need after arriving to disarm the alarm. This means that, unlike other alarm systems wherein you have to rush to arm or disarm, you can take your sweet time with Nest Secure. The Nest app will also remind you if you forget to arm or disarm the alarm when you leave or arrive home.

Nest Tag

The Nest Tag is another way to disarm or arm your Nest Secure. You can give a Nest Tag to family, friends, and other people who need to get into your home without having to bother you when they do. You can even set a schedule for your Nest Tag, allowing them to work only at certain times. This is useful if you want to give a Nest Tag to your housekeeper or dog sitter. They can just come in when you expect them to be at your home but they will not be able to get in when they are not supposed to. You can also revoke the permissions on a Nest Tag whenever you want.

Nest Detect

Other security systems have different entry and motion sensors. Nest Secure makes it easier for you with Nest Detect. The Nest Detect is an entry sensor and motion detector in one device. You can stick it on your doors and windows to alert you if it is opened and you can use it as a motion sensor that tells you if something is moving inside the room. You can, of course, use it as both.

The Nest Detect also has great features that you would love even when you are home:

Open tone. This would sound if the door is left open, allowing you to know if the kids have run out to the yard.

Quiet open. This allows you to open your doors or windows without triggering Nest Secure even when it is armed.

Pathlight. Nest Detect can also light your way at night with its soft glow.

Dog pass. This allows your dogs to come in or out the door without setting off the alarm.

Nest app

With the Nest app, you will instantly get notified if the sensors detect something. You can also verify if there is something to be concerned about and then the app will allow you to call the police.

Integrations with other Nest devices

Nest Secure can work with Nest Cam, allowing you to see what is happening at home when you receive an alert. This allows you to confirm if the motion detector sensed movements from a burglar or if the kids are home early. Alternatively, you can have it work with Nest Thermostats.

It also works with Nest Hello Video Doorbell, as well as with other Nest devices.

The verdict on Nest Secure

Nest Secure works rather well and it is very easy to set up. The Nest Detect has adhesives on the back, making it easier for you to put it just anywhere. The Nest Secure is wired, but it is easy to put it on any flat surface near the front door. You can easily attach the Nest Tag to your bags or key chains, too.

You will love the many ways you can arm or disarm the system, plus the built-in siren that shrieks at 85 decibels when triggered.

However, the Nest Secure is quite expensive. The starter kit with the Nest Guard, 2 Detects, and 2 Tags costs $400, with additional Nest Detect costing $59 each. Cellular backup costs you $5 per month, while professional monitoring would cost you $29 per month with no long-term contracts, or $19 per month if you would consent to a three-year lock-in.

You should also check first if your router is compatible with Nest Secure. If you have an incompatible router, you might find yourself frustrated setting up the various components.

What’s more, while Nest is known for the great looks of its Learning Thermostat, the Nest Secure is rather plain-looking with its white plastic look.

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is one of the best-known DIY home security systems available now. SimpliSafe has recently redesigned its entire product line, introducing more sensors while also making these devices smaller.

Installing and setting up your SimpliSafe is very easy. You do not need to wire it; just plug in the devices you have and you get full home protection in just minutes.

SimpliSafe packages

SimpliSafe has several packages to get you started, allowing you to choose one that best fits your needs and just add more sensors as necessary. All of these packages include one base station and one keypad.

Furthermore, you can still buy the original SimpliSafe packages, which costs anywhere from $244 to $334, with the 13-piece Beacon selling for only $299, or around $220 if discounted from the original price.

Professional monitoring

You have two options if you want professional monitoring with SimpliSafe. Standard monitoring gives you professional round-the-clock monitoring and cellular backup for $14.99 a month. For $10 more, interactive monitoring adds SMS and email alerts, secret alerts, and the ability to arm or disarm your security system from just about anywhere.

What you would like about SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe also has the SmashSafe feature. The system will still call the police even if an intruder smashes the keypad.

What’s more, SimpliSafe makes it very difficult for your security system to fail. It has cellular backup on top of Wi-Fi connectivity, it uses six professional monitoring centers so that you would have redundant protection, and it also has backup battery that would keep things up and running even when the power is out.

SimpliSafe also confirms that the monitoring center has received your alerts. Furthermore, all devices have top-notch encryption, ensuring that all transmissions are safe and secure.

How does Simplisafe compare to other systems?

Nest Secure vs. SimpliSafe: What to buy?

Design

Both Nest Secure and SimpliSafe opted to have a very minimalist design, helping your security devices blend into the walls and be less obstructive as possible. SimpliSafe’s new devices and sensors, however, also come in black, in addition to white.

Professional monitoring and cellular backup

These two elements are very important for DIY security systems. If you want to avail of a service that can keep an eye on your house in your stead, then you need to sign up for a professional monitoring service. Cellular backup, on the other hand, is important so that your security system can continue to send alerts and keep your house protected even when the Wi-Fi goes out. In this area, SimpliSafe wins because you get both from the company itself. You only have to sign up for the monitoring and you get cellular backup thrown in. With Nest Secure, you need to pay a more expensive monthly fee, while also needing to sign up for cellular backup separately.

Range of devices

There is no question that SimpliSafe wins in this area, as well. Nest Secure does a good job of keeping intruders out with its entry and motion sensor. However, SimpliSafe offers you that plus protection against environmental hazards such as fire, smoke, flooding, water leaks, and carbon monoxide. What’s more, SimpliSafe also offers a glass break sensor that will alert you when somebody breaks the glass on your windows and tries to get inside without opening the windows.

Pricing

Nest Secure is generally more expensive than SimpliSafe. Nest Secure’s starter kit sells for $399, while a comparable system from SimpliSafe costs $280 ($230 for the Foundation + $50 for the key fobs.) The Nest Secure is also more expensive when it comes to the professional monitoring and the prices of additional sensors.

The Last Word: Nest Secure vs. SimpliSafe

The Nest Secure is perfect for those people who already have other Nest devices such as the Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect. The Nest Secure would be a great addition that will help them keep their homes secure.

SimpliSafe beats Nest Secure in terms of the range of sensors and devices that you could add, the pricing, and the additional services. However, if you want the ability to remotely control your security system, you would need to pay for the Interactive professional monitoring plan. This feature comes free for Nest Secure.

However, if controlling your security system remotely is not important to you, you can get a better and more affordable DIY security system with SimpliSafe.

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About the Founder

Patrick Sinclair is a geek; make no mistake about that. He runs All Home Robotics in his spare time so he doesn’t have to think about his depressing cubicle and it gives him an excuse to buy expensive gadgets to review!